The contest was organized in order to stimulate a wider interest in Chinese studies and to promote academic Chinese learning within the American Chinese community. In total, there were four first prizes, four second prizes and eight third prizes awarded. Each entrant recited two poems in their corresponding level (elementary, intermediate or advanced Mandarin, or English native speakers without a Chinese background). Recitations were judged on the basis of pronunciation and intonation, tone, emotion and expression, and manner. The contest was open to Cal State L.A. students and students from any California college or university.

This poetry contest was made possible through the donation of Major Tsai, president of Ideal Realty, and Monique Wu, president of the Association for Chinese Cultural and Ethical Education in America, and was sponsored by the Chinese Studies Center and the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures at Cal State L.A.

For more information on the contest, call Professor Kylie Hsu, Department of Modern Languages and Literatures at Cal State L.A., (323) 343-4274.

WORKING FOR CALIFORNIA Â California State University, Los Angeles: A comprehensive university at the heart of a major metropolitan city. The 175-acre hilltop campus is located five miles east of Los AngelesÂ civic and cultural center. Since 1947,
Cal State L.A. has been a leader in providing quality higher education. Today, the campus comprises a faculty of internationally recognized scholars and artists, and more than 21,000 students with a wide variety of interests, ages and backgrounds that reflect the cityÂs dynamic mix of populations. Cal State L.A. is one of 23 campuses in the CSU system.